The Fall of Oil Prices and the Effects on Biofuels. Issue 1 (January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Reboredo, Fernando H.; Lidon, Fernando; Pessoa, Fernanda; Ramalho, José C.
• Is Part Of: Trends in biotechnology. Volume 34:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 3
• Page End: 6
• Publication Date: 2016-01
• Subjects: Biotechnology -- Periodicals; Biochemical engineering -- Periodicals; Genetic engineering -- Periodicals; Industrial microbiology -- Periodicals; 660.605
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2015.10.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0167-7799

Abstract

Abstract : This analysis is focused on the effect of the abrupt decline of oil prices on biofuels, particularly second-generation ethanol. The efforts to decrease the production costs of biofuels, especially cellulosic ethanol (CE), will be greatly threatened if current oil prices remain low, especially since production is not slowing. Only huge state subsidies could alleviate this threat, but the challenge is to persuade citizens that this sacrifice is worthwhile.